Innovation
Space Trends to Watch in 2026
2025 was a year that reinforced a simple truth: The orbital economy is no longer an experiment. It’s accelerating, it’s hardware-led, it’s strategically important, and it’s increasingly shaped by venture-backed companies translating technical ambition into commercial and geopolitical reality.
Technology
Cornell-led space tech startup acquired by Pasteur Labs
FOSAI, an aerospace and defense technology company led by Gregory Falco ’10, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Cornell, has been acquired by Pasteur Labs, a developer of artificial intelligence–driven physics simulation tools which was founded by Alexander Lavin ’12.
Navy seeks bids for $350M 'Seabed to Space' tech recompete
The Navy is now ready for industry to start working on and submitting proposals for a seven-year, $349.9 million contract that focuses on the development and fielding of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems.
NASA funds new tech for upcoming 'Super Hubble' to search for alien life: 'We intend to move with urgency'
The observatory will combine tech from NASA's most powerful space telescopes.
Space, Tech, And AI: What Astronaut Tim Peake Can Teach Us About The Future Of Humanity
When you’ve spent 6 months orbiting Earth in the International Space Station, your perspective on the planet and its problems is likely to change forever. Few people understand this more intimately than Tim Peake, the British astronaut, test pilot, and ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, who joined me for a fascinating conversation about space, AI, and the future of life on Earth.
Europe
Aerospacelab to build eight satellites for Xona’s navigation constellation
Belgian satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab has won a contract to build eight spacecraft for California-based startup Xona Space Systems, which is developing a commercial positioning, navigation and timing service designed to complement and back up GPS.
The companies said Jan. 13 that Aerospacelab will serve as Xona’s transition manufacturing partner for the initial deployment of Xona’s Pulsar constellation, supplying satellite platforms and systems integration expertise while Xona develops its own production capabilities in California. The value of the contract was not disclosed.
Plans for Edinburgh to be new UK base for cutting edge deep space tech company
A global space technology firm is aiming to establish their UK base in Edinburgh, according to new plans.
Rhea Space Activity (RSA) UK Ltd has lodged an application with Edinburgh Council to move into Fountainbridge's Lower Gilmore Place.
Policy
House Minibus Bill Would Kill Mars Sample Return
The dozens of tubes of Martian dust collected so far by the Perseverance rover are waiting for a ride that may never come.
The House minibus appropriations bill governing NASA spending in FY2026, which was released this week, doesn’t mince words. “The agreement does not support the existing Mars Sample Return (MSR) program,” lawmakers wrote in an accompanying report explaining why lawmakers structured the bill the way they did.
What a $1.5T Defense Budget Could Mean for the Air Force and Space Force
President Donald Trump took to social media this week to announce the Pentagon could see its budget topline increase to $1.5 trillion in fiscal 2027—a boost of more than $500 billion above anticipated 2026 spending levels.
“This will allow us to build the ‘Dream Military’ that we have long been entitled to and, more importantly, that will keep us SAFE and SECURE, regardless of foe,” Trump said in a Jan. 7 post on his Truth Social site, adding that the 50 percent increase would be paid for with tariff revenue.